NSG Ltd

Waste Retrieval
NSG is the market leader in radioactive waste processing having completed 36 waste retrieval campaigns in the UK and processed over 1.25million litres of ILW and LLW.  Many of these projects have involved developing bespoke retrieval systems to meet the individual requirements and challenges of each Nuclear Licensed Site.

To support this service we have designed, built and operated scaled and full size test mock-ups of Ponds, Vaults, Tanks, Silos, Stores, Reactors to trial ROVs, Grabs, Manipulators, Long Handled Tools etc.  Through this work NSG has developed a 'tool box' of retrieval techniques for both wet and solid waste.This tool box includes retrieval systems which have incorporated mixers, agitators, macerators, ejectors, peristaltic pumps, sealless pumps, canned pumps and booster pumps etc. NSG has trialled vacuum retrieval systems that have proved successful for both wet and solid waste.  In most cases we endeavour to use proven technology whether from our own industry or from others such as the chemical, oil , gas and water industries, where the experiences for the retrieval of difficult materials from challenging environments is similar.

Waste Conditioning
Having retrieved the waste, conditioning is normally required to make it suitable for long term storage. NSG has developed techniques for waste stabilisation and volumetric reduction that can readily be applied in radiological controlled environments. In support of this approach, we have structured our development facility so that we can conduct testing to prove the most effective and practical conditioning process for each waste type.

The chemical or physical nature of certain wastes means that it is sometimes not possible to use cement for encapsulation for passive storage.  NSG is the UK's leading expert in the use of polymers for encapsulation of radioactive waste.  NSG also has a variety of solutions for stabilising potentially 'difficult wastes' such as oils, alcohols, ion exchange materials, reactive metals and materials which may have issues relating to water, high pH and other cement compounds.

NSG have a range of development test rigs for dewatering, drying and evaporation that can be utilised to provide valuable answers to volume reduction challenges.

Our structured approach to waste management and keen understanding of radioactive waste properties has led to us delivering valuable savings for many clients around the UK.  An example of this is when NSG proposed combining two ILW waste streams to produce a more stable wasteform and additionally reduced the downstream processing costs.

Waste Processing - Segregation
Many waste management strategies involve segregation of wastes with differing properties so that they can be treated independently.  In order for this approach to work, it is crucial to have robust processes in place to ensure that the waste can be separated.  NSG have had significant involvement in many large projects which have developed processes for screening, separating, size reduction and assaying.

Waste Processing - Encapsulation and Grouting
NSG have extensive experience in solidification and encapsulation technologies and have been involved in the design of LLW and ILW encapsulation plant for over 20 years.  In partnership with our clients, NSG have taken designs right through from proof of concept to inactive commissioning, site commissioning and operation.